Prefab ADU in Redwood City | Backyard Home with LiveLarge

Redwood City ADU Standards

Prefab ADU in Redwood City

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

An ADU is an independent residential unit on the same lot as a primary home, providing additional living space, rental opportunities, or multi-generational housing. A Prefab ADU is a permanent, factory-built backyard home that meets local zoning and building codes, making it ideal for long-term living.

Tiny homes, often confused with prefab ADUs, are small, mobile units built on wheels. While both can be ADUs, prefab ADUs are stationary and built to last, while tiny homes face more zoning challenges due to their mobility.

Planning to Build an ADU in Redwood City?

LiveLarge specializes in designing and building ADUs, including prefab ADUs and backyard homes, that meet local zoning regulations while optimizing your space. Our expert team will guide you through every step of the process, from permits to design and construction, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

Location & Number of ADUs:

Attached ADU: Can be attached to the primary home.
Detached ADU: Can be a freestanding unit on the property.
Junior ADU (JADU): Must be located within the primary home.
Single-Family Lots: Only one ADU and one JADU are permitted per lot.
Multifamily Lots: Up to two detached ADUs are allowed, plus one JADU or up to 25% of the total existing units can be converted from non-habitable space.

Size Limitations:

Standard ADUs: Up to 850 sq. ft. for a one-bedroom unit, 1,000 sq. ft. for units with more than one bedroom.
Accessibility Compliant ADUs: Up to 1,200 sq. ft.
Detached ADU (Second Story): Maximum 600 sq. ft.
JADUs: Must not exceed 500 sq. ft.

Design and Structure:

Height Limitations: Attached ADUs have a height limit of 20 ft with a flat roof or 24 ft with a pitched roof. Detached ADUs with a flat roof have a height limit of 20 ft, and 24 ft with a pitched roof.
Setbacks: Detached ADUs must have a minimum 4-foot setback from rear and side yards. The front yard setback follows the zoning district’s requirements.

Building & Fire Safety Requirements:

Fire Sprinklers: May be required if the existing home has fire sprinklers or the ADU is a substantial remodel.
Fire Flow Test: Applicants must request a fire flow test and pay any associated fees to ensure sufficient water supply.
Separation: A one-hour fire separation is required between the ADU and main house, with specific guidelines for garages and doors.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Must be installed and interconnected.
Heating & Electrical: The ADU must have a separate heating system and comply with electrical code requirements. The unit must have access to the electrical panel.

Parking & Fees:

Parking: No additional parking is required for ADUs or JADUs.
Fees: In addition to building permit fees, ADUs may incur fees for water, sewer capacity, fire flow tests, and address assignments. ADUs under 750 sq. ft. and all JADUs are exempt from development impact fees.

Kitchen & Entrance:

Kitchen Requirements: Must include a stove/oven, sink, and food-preserving appliance. Wet bars or countertop ovens are not acceptable.
Entrance Requirements: The ADU must have a side-hinged swinging door as the main entrance. Garage or patio doors cannot be used as the primary entrance.

For more detailed information, visit the official ADU page of Redwood City. Let LiveLarge help you transform your property with a well-planned ADU. Whether you’re looking for a prefab ADU, backyard home, or modular home, our design and construction expertise ensures your project meets local standards while maximizing your space. Contact LiveLarge today to begin building your ideal backyard home!

Get A Free Site Report

Submit

Get A Free Site Report

Submit